HC Deb 02 April 1930 vol 237 cc1257-8
19. Mr. KELLY

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether any reports have been received recently as to the conditions of labour at Singapore; and what are the wage rates operating for general labour, the hours worked in a normal week, and the provisions made for dealing with employés injured at work?

Mr. G. HALL

Reports are received by the Admiralty from time to time as occasion arises regarding questions affecting the conditions of labour at Singapore. The wages paid by the Admiralty to locally-entered labour are as follow:

For labourers: From 70 to 85 cents a day.

For mechanics: From $1.25 to $3.00 a day.

Free quarters are also provided.

The normal working week of the establishment is 48 hours. The Workmen's Compensation Act does not apply to His Majesty's Naval Establishments abroad; but hurt pay and compensation for injuries are payable at Singapore in the same way as at other Naval Establishments abroad.

Mr. KELLY

Does my hon. Friend feel quite satisfied with the conditions operating there; and, further, does he not consider that the time has arrived for investigation into what is taking place at Singapore?

Mr. HALL

I know that my hon. Friend is very interested in conditions of labour at Singapore, and I shall be quite prepared to meet him at any time to go into all these questions.